is it starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it starting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the commencement of an event, activity, or process. Example: "I was wondering, is it starting soon? I don't want to miss anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Is technology still artificially intelligent – or is it starting to be intelligent, for real?

The Guardian - Tech

Only now is it starting to come back".

The New York Times

Lap 59: TV cameras show the crowds waving their macs about... is it starting to drizzle?

The Guardian - Sport

Not only is it starting to get easier to qualify for these loans, they say, but rates are also coming down.

The New York Times

But only now is it starting to hit mainstream knowledge management process like software development.

TechCrunch

Only now is it starting to pay off Ormat's revenue has grown 25% a year since 2003.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Whatever it is, it starts happening now.

The New York Times - Sports

This is how it starts.

The New Yorker

That is, if it starts at all.

The New York Times

That is, until it starts cutting prices.

BBC

This is where it starts getting good!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it starting", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "is it starting" without a clear antecedent for "it". For instance, instead of saying "The meeting room is ready, is it starting?", specify: "The meeting room is ready, is the presentation starting?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it starting" functions primarily as an interrogative clause. It's used to seek information regarding the commencement of something, whether it's an event, process, or activity. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it starting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase that seeks information about the commencement of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its frequency is notable in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "has it begun" or "is it commencing" offer varying degrees of formality and emphasis. Be aware of the subtle nuances in meaning, such as its relation with the past tense "has it started".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has it begun

This alternative uses 'begun', implying a completed action of starting, which can add a sense of anticipation or finality.

is it about to begin

Focuses on the imminence of the start, suggesting that the event is on the verge of commencing.

is it commencing

Replaces 'starting' with 'commencing', which is more formal and emphasizes the official beginning of an event or process.

is it underway

This suggests that something is already in progress, subtly shifting the focus from initiation to current activity.

has it kicked off

Uses the idiomatic phrase 'kicked off', indicating an informal and energetic start.

are we beginning

This phrase shifts the focus to the participants and their collective start, rather than the event itself.

is it in progress yet

Adds 'yet' to emphasize the anticipation and desire for the process to have already started.

are things getting started

This alternative broadens the scope to 'things', suggesting a general initiation of activities rather than a specific event.

is the launch imminent

Replaces 'starting' with 'launch', implying a more formal or significant beginning, and uses 'imminent' to stress the nearness of the event.

shall we start

Proposes a start and seeks agreement, implying a collaborative decision to begin.

FAQs

How do I use "is it starting" in a sentence?

Use "is it starting" to inquire whether an event, process, or activity has commenced. For example, "The movie is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, /s/is+it+starting now?"

What's a more formal alternative to "is it starting"?

A more formal alternative to "is it starting" is "is it commencing", which is suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is there a difference between "is it starting" and "has it started"?

"Is it starting" implies an inquiry about the present moment regarding the beginning, whereas "has it started" inquires whether the event has already begun at some point in the past.

What can I say instead of "is it starting" when referring to a recurring issue?

When referring to a recurring issue, you could say "is it starting again", to imply that the issue has occurred before.